Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Sign up for free
Discover
Login
Guide to start doing nails
26 items
By
Avery Nongbri
At home nail tech, been doing nails as a hobby for 5 ish years. Here are some items I'd recommend to beginners
Sections
4
Prep
Application
Nail art
Extras
Prep
Use this as step one to wipe down your nails and remove any excess dirt/oils. I get this one fro Target
Isopropyl Alcohol 91% - 32fl oz - up&up - Target
Use these with rubbing alcohol to wipe nails clean. I get a pack with anywhere from 300-600 on amazon
TEOYALL Lint Free Nail Wipes, 400 PCS
Rubbing alcohol goes in here. Any pump dispenser bottle will work. I got one from the dollar store that has lasted me 3 years.
Pump | Dispensers | Salon | Beauty School Supplies
A basic pack of nail files will do, make sure you have at least one that has 180 sandpaper on it, its the most versatile
Nail File - Amazon.com
This is the specific one I use. Very beginner friendly!
MelodySusie Pen-Shaped Portable Nail Drill
A good pair of cuticle nipper is a must
Professional Cuticle Nippers - Tweezerman
Application
Dehydrator first, primer second (thin coat)
Nail Dehydrator And Primer - Amazon.com
Wonderful base coat and top coat, great if you're just starting out
Beetles 2 Pcs 15ml No Wipe Gel Top & Base Coat
One of my fav top coats, bottle sometimes leaks though
GAOY Top Coat for Gel Nail Polish 16ml
FAVORITE builder gel, so so so easy to use
Builder Gel TPO HEMA Free - Nail Extension Strengthen - RARJSM
My favorite beginner friendly gel tips. I like these just as much as my apres (high-end) ones
UNA GELLA Almond Gel Nail Tips, 504PCS Clear
100% is used to seal the cuticle after applying the tips. I get this one from Target
Acetone Nail Polish Remover | Best Brands & Sizes - Target
Nothing I've tried is stronger than this one. A must-have for gel x nails
beetles Gel Polish 2Pcs 15ml Nail Glue Kit
Nail art
One of my favorite affordable brands for nude bases and colors!
RARJSM GEL POLISH: BEST SELLERS - Amazon.com
My absolute favorite cat eye polishes
IBD Magnetic Gel Polish, Celestial, .5 fl. Oz. - Nail Supply Inc
Another favorite of mine for colors
GAOY Gel Polish - Amazon.com
I have the beetles summer collection from 2025 and I love the consistency and color range
beetles Gel Polish - Amazon.com
Liner brushes are a must for nail art, hard to use at first but with a lot of practice you'll be a pro
Chaun Legend Nail Art Brushes
Nail gems and 3d pieces are a great way to elevate a look!
FANDAMEI Nail Charms & Rhinestones Kit
BEST rhinestone glue on the market, anyone and everyone uses this to keep gems on
Makartt Rhinestone Glue for Nails - Super Strong Gel
I love a good 3d gel for those trendy flowers
3D Nail Art Clear & White Builder Gel
Nail stampers are great for designs but I also love to use the silicon part for french tips!
Shop Nail Stampers & Scrapers | Maniology
Extras
My favorite beginner friendly nail lamps
SUNUV - Amazon.com
Gloves/spf are a must if you are going to be dealing with UV lamps, I have the melody susie ones and really like them
MelodySusie UV Gloves for Gel Nail Lamp
A bit of an investment but your lungs will thank you
Professional Nail Dust Collector - MelodySusie
invest in a nice lamp if you can because it helps with being able to see the designs but its not a must-have item
Overhead Lamp For Nail Tech - Amazon.com
